This morning, as soon as the newspapers went on sale, they sold out instantly.
Then, Su Ning's phone lines blew up too—all calls from terrified girls and their parents who had seen the newspaper. Those who could casually hand over so much money were, needless to say, highly valued members of their families.
Besides, who was Su Ning?
No matter how bad her reputation had become, it was undeniable that she had power and means. Even if she was considered an inferior Oriental, she was still very much worth befriending.
Thus, the stream of people calling to express their gratitude was endless.
Merit plus one.
However, while many called, the only ones to visit in person were Mr. Faust and his daughter. Upon receiving the announcement, Su Ning smiled playfully and said softly:
"Lin Sen, why do you think they came to see me?"
After pondering for a few seconds.
Assistant Lin answered briefly, "Profit."
This answer seemed to assume the worst of people, but it was actually the result of careful analysis.
First of all, even though it was the 1930s, an unmarried young lady's reputation was still crucial. Word getting out about being deceived in love wouldn't sound good, even if she was the victim. Those who truly cared about their daughters would just call to say thank you like everyone else.
Showing up directly at her door would inevitably invite speculation from nosy people, which would be counterproductive.
Furthermore, considering that the Faust family's main business was shipbuilding... everything became clear.
Saying thank you was just a cover.
It could only be for profit.
Su Ning rested her chin in her hand, the corners of her mouth curling up into a slight arc, and said with great interest, "Visitors are guests. Invite them in."
...
Outside the door.
"Father, let's go back."
Miss Faust had red and swollen eyes—she had been crying ever since she saw the newspaper, and her voice was a bit hoarse now. She looked at her father expectantly and pleaded:
"Even though... even though Antonio deceived me, I don't want to thank this Oriental woman at all. If she was truly acting out of the goodness of her heart, why didn't she expose the truth from the very beginning?"
"So she was only doing it to achieve her own goals."
"She doesn't deserve my gratitude."
"Keep your voice down."
Mr. Faust frowned. He only relaxed after glancing around and seeing only Oriental faces, then said impatiently:
"Even if she is a vicious witch, for the sake of that lovely gold, you must thank her as if she were your saving angel. Use your advantages, cry pitifully, and talk about how miserably Antonio deceived you... Even the most cold-hearted woman will soften. As long as she pities you, the rest will be easy to handle."
"Why? I don't want to!"
Miss Faust stomped her foot in disgust. "No matter how rich she is, she's still just a lowly Oriental. Yellow skin, black eyes... just looking at her makes me sick."
Suddenly she thought of something and widened her eyes:
"For her money... but, but didn't we sell all our ships to Antonio?"
"Speak more precisely."
Mr. Faust interrupted his daughter in dissatisfaction:
"Strictly speaking, Antonio only paid a deposit. Because of you, I even gave him a five percent discount. Even so, it emptied his pockets, so embarrassing that he had to swindle women's money to compensate Su Ning."
"But as long as that matter succeeds, he will have money."
Miss Faust retorted.
"But I want more money, and the opportunity is right in front of us. And it just so happens that Su Ning has that much. In order to keep her shares, she has no choice but to compete with Antonio for the ships in my hands."
His voice was so cheerful it practically soared.
Hearing this.
Even if Miss Faust was foolish, she understood what her father was planning to do.
She widened her eyes and said:
"But, if that happens, Antonio will be completely finished. He'll have nothing left. We can't do this."
"Oh, please. Who said he would have nothing left?"
"I am an honest businessman. Both the deposit and the penalty for breach of contract will be refunded to him. He'll have made a sum of money without doing anything at all. He should be thanking me."
Of course, the penalty fee would also be paid by Su Ning.
After all, who else had this many ships in their hands right now? How much should he raise the price?
Twenty percent.
No, thirty percent... Actually, fifty percent would be better.
For Taikoo Shipping.
That Oriental woman had already paid a massive price; she wouldn't mind this little bit extra. Although Mr. Faust didn't know the term "sunk cost," his mindset was essentially the same.
He could only envision those shiny, golden little cuties.
Flying into his bank account one after another.
Thus, he warned his daughter, who was about to speak again:
"I hope you haven't forgotten who provides you with beautiful clothes, exquisite food, and all those luxurious jewelry pieces. If you're going to rebel against me for Antonio, then you can go find him to support you!"
Miss Faust shut her mouth, then suddenly said:
"Then I want a new ruby necklace set, and clothes made by the best tailor."
"As long as we succeed, that's no problem."
"Thank you, Father."
She felt much better. The thought of that Oriental witch's extra money turning into her own jewelry and clothes made her feel that this was acceptable.
At that moment, the door was pushed open.
"Please come in."
The two followed Lin Sen inside and were surprised to find that it didn't look like a hotel at all anymore. The decorations and facilities had almost completely changed, and every corner was filled with a strong personal style.
What was even more striking was.
Every few steps stood a tall, straight-backed guard. Miss Faust silently curled her lips.
Hmph, did she think she was some kind of king?
But when she actually saw her.
She still followed her father's instructions and began to cry mournfully right on cue:
"Thank you, you are my savior. As a fellow girl, you must know this kind of pain. I originally thought I had found the love of my dreams, but I never expected Antonio to be a complete liar..."
As she cried, she secretly peeked at Su Ning—
Only to find that Su Ning wasn't even looking at her!
What was there to look at?
She had been wailing for so long but only managed to squeeze out two drops of tears. This acting was quite terrible, Su Ning thought critically, though she figured saying that out loud might hurt the girl's feelings.
So she said:
"What are you crying for? It's bad luck and terrible to listen to. You're crying away all your good fortune."
The translator accurately conveyed her meaning.
Miss Faust stiffened, suppressing her anger as she said, "I'm sorry, I'm just so heartbroken that I couldn't hold it back. You know how painful it is to be deceived in love."
"Oh, and what does your heartbreak and pain have to do with me?" Su Ning said with disdain:
"I wasn't the one deceived in love, let alone by an idiot like Antonio. Although it's only right that you thank me, don't casually compare me to yourself. It really lowers my standards."
Miss Faust: ...
Seriously, is this person even human?
She has absolutely no sympathy!
Seeing that Su Ning wasn't playing by the rules at all, Mr. Faust hurriedly spoke up:
"I apologize, my daughter is quite naive and often says the wrong things, but her heart is sincere. For example, rushing over here today, aside from thanking you, we also came to inform you of something that might harm your interests."
Noticing that Su Ning finally showed an interested expression.
While breathing a sigh of relief.
He was also thinking: Damn it, what an undisguisedly arrogant and cold person. Too bad I'm still going to fiercely carve a piece of meat off her.
So, he took his time explaining the whole situation from beginning to end. Then, feigning concern, he said, "I would really love to help you, but there just aren't enough ships available anywhere else. The only fleet large enough to meet your requirements is the batch of ready ships already reserved by Antonio..."
Finishing his sentence, he looked at Su Ning expectantly.
Waiting for her to beg him.
And then—
"Oh."
Su Ning even let out a bored yawn.
